Restoring more than 300 years of magic in an historic building is not for everyone, but I am happy to enjoy every second I can spend in this divine place, thanks to Julia Fulford-Kirby xx
Loulabelle's FrancoFiles episode 136 - click here to listen
Guest: Julia Fulford-Kirby
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Julia Fulford Kirby lives in a most magical place, Château Mas de Pradié in Foissac in the Aveyron region of southwest France. I first saw her story on the Escape to the Château DIY show and then chatted to her on the podcast in January 2021, but nothing prepared me for the magic before me when I visited her home in the hot summer of 2022. Mas de Pradié took my breath away. Julia has done so much work over her time there but she has made every effort not to ruin the spirit that made her fall in love with the “mas” in the first place. The majority of the work that has taken place is invisible, but necessary for lining in the 21st century. Many châteaux I have seen renovated look like a modern place within an historic shell. Julia seems to have been able to make modern conveniences such as bathrooms, look as if they have always been there! The renovations are so sympathetic to the history of the property.
Living in and renovating an historic property is not for everyone, but luckily for the rest of us, there are brave and adventurous people like Julia who are willing to live a life dedicated to restoring these châteaux that feed the souls of the rest of us Francophiles. I firmly believe that without people willing to take that leap and take on a life of non-stop hard labour, the historic buildings of France may in 50, 100 or maybe 200 years be a pile of ruins. It seems that in some local communities there aren’t the people willing or with the funds to get the required work completed. I don’t have the capacity to go to France and restore a château myself, but I’m very happy to go there and enjoy the work of people like Julia! So to tip to support her work is reasonable I think.
Details for Julia’s Go Fund Me to repair her roof is down below…
Your own Château Mas de Pradié experience
Julia has tours in which guests can visit the local area, cook with a local chef and spend much time in her Mas de Pradié. In 2024 she also has some musical concerts and other fun afternoon events to enjoy her magical place. Julia also has an amazing events barn for weddings or big celebrations.
Julia’s links
Help save Julia’s 300 year old roof in France – Go Fund Me
Instagram – Escape to the Château Mas De Pradié
Instagram – The Château Sisters
Website – Mas de Pradié
Musique & Recette coming soon xx
